Today was the first race I've done that has directly affected ME. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a race I've been wanting to participate in for a long time. I'm glad I was finally able to! I got my best friend from home, Ashley to run (it was her first 5k ever!) and my 11 year old brother, Nolan (2nd race!), and Shane ran for a time today!
I, as usual, have some photos from the race today. It was so fun dressing up! I also have a some info about arthritis - if anyone is interest in the basics :)
The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is all over the US! Check out the website if you'd like to run one! :)
http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php
Arthritis hurts someone you know.
•
Arthritis is the leading cause of
disability in the United States.
•
Fifty million Americans (I in 5
adults) have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor.
•
Nearly 300,000 children under the age
of 18 are affected by juvenile arthritis.
•
Two-thirds of people with
arthritisare under the age of 65.
•
Arthritis prevalence increases with
age. Approximately 50 percent of adults 65 or older report an arthritis diagnosis.
No one is immune to this disease.
•
Arthritis strikes every racial and
ethnic group including more than 34 million Caucasians, more than 4.6 million
African-Americans and nearly 3.1 million Hispanics.
•
The term "arthritis"
encompasses more than 100 diseases types that affect joints, and
other connective tissues. Arthritis can cause mild to severe pain in the
joints, as well as joint tenderness and swelling.
•
Sixty percent of all people who
have arthritis are female, and several of the more common forms are more
prevalent in women.
The cost to the economy is staggering.
Each year, arthritis results in:
•
More than 40 million outpatient visits
•
Roughly a million hospitalizations.
•
Over 9,000 deaths
•
21 million people with activity
limitations.
•
$128 billion in costs of treatment,
lost wages and reduced productivity.
But the cost to American families is even worse.
•
Arthritis is a more frequent cause of
activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes.
•
Pain, fatigue, and inflammation can
limit everyday activities, from simple tasks like bathing and dressing to the
ability to maintain employment.
•
Caring for a family member with a
prolonged or chronic illness is stressful and draining -- mentally, physically,
emotionally, and financially.
The Arthritis Foundation helps.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest national nonprofit
organization soley dedicated to the prevention, control and cure of arthritis,
the nation's leading cause of disability. We're also the world's largest
nonprofit contributor to arthritis research, investing more than $450 million
since 1948 toward medical breakthroughs that have led to better treatments and
therapies, restoring mobility to countless patients. We help individuals
take control of arthritis by providing health education, pursuing public policy
and legislation, and conducting programs proven to improve the quality of life
for those who live with the disease. Information is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org
